Industry Insights

The global hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment market size was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2017 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.9% over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing awareness regarding esthetic appearance. Thus, rising demand for various procedures to enhance the esthetic appeal is likely to augment the market expansion in the years to come.

Scar treatment provides complete skin rejuvenation, thus improving esthetic appeal. The demand for esthetic products mainly exists among women, owing to which they are the major consumers of these products. In addition, rise in the number of road accidents and burn cases has also influenced the growth of the hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment market.

According to American Burn Association, in 2016, more than 40,000 hospitalizations resulted from burn injuries. This indicates a rise in the number of burn injuries globally. These injuries cause noticeable hypertrophic scars — a common complication associated with them. While, road accidents, leading to surgeries, can result in the development of surgical marks.

These factors, coupled with subsequent increase in the number of cosmetic procedures, has accelerated the demand for topical products. However, treatment with laser therapies provides faster and effective results. Moreover, they are minimally invasive and eliminate pain, owing to which they are the most preferred treatment option.

Scar Type Insights

Keloid segment held the largest market share in 2017 and is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Unlike hypertrophic scars, surgical removal of keloid marks facilitates their regrowth. Thus, they are treated with topical methods, such as silicone gel sheets and laser therapies. Cryotherapy, pressure therapy, and skin needling are also some of the methods used to reduce the size of the scar.

The hypertrophic segment is anticipated to exhibit a sluggish growth over the forecast period owing to lower adoption of treatments for the removal of these marks. The treatment usually involves noninvasive methods, such as gels, creams, and silicone sheets, in case of minor injuries and laser therapies in case of adverse injuries. However, in most cases, a combination of two or more therapies is used for their treatment.

Product Insights

On the basis of products, the topical segment led the market in 2017 owing to rise in demand for creams, silicone sheets, and gels in the treatment of hypertrophic, as well as keloid, marks. Moreover, these products are easily available to consumers as Over-the-Counter (OTC) products, which is also responsible for their high demand.

Laser instruments segment is expected to exhibit the fastest growth over the forecast period as laser treatments are painless. In addition, they have numerous other benefits, such as minimized healing time and lesser adverse effects. Injectable held a significant share of the market in 2017 as they proved to be rapid and cost-effective alternatives. Compared to other treatment options, injectable provide a long-lasting effect on scar visibility.

Other products include pressure therapy or compression therapy, radiotherapy, and cryotherapy. The use of pressure garments accelerates the healing of the final wound and reduces the scar growth. Cryotherapy uses cryo guns directly on the scar and helps reduce its size.

End-use Insights

On the basis of end use, hospitals generated the maximum revenue in 2017 due to the availability of a wide range of treatment options for scar removal. In case of emergencies, such as major accidents, hospitals are preferred for treatment as they provide care during the recovery period as well.

The clinics segment held a significant market share in 2017 as they provide specialized treatment. In most of the cases, patients visit hospitals for primary care and treatment and later follow up at specialty clinics. In addition, clinics often use technologically advanced products. All these factors are also contributed to the segment growth. The retail pharmacies/e-commerce segment is expected to show a significant growth over the forecast period as websites provide a wider range of products.

Regional Insights

In 2017, North America held the largest market share and is likely to witness steady development in the coming years. High prevalence of burn injuries, skin-related disorders, and trauma are among the major factors responsible for the market expansion. Moreover, availability and adoption of advanced treatment options, such as laser treatments, are estimated to support the growth.

Scar treatment for burn injuries is covered under government reimbursement policies in U.S., which is also projected to have a positive impact on the regional market. Europe also generated a significant revenue in 2017 owing to rise in the number of National Health Services (NHS) plastic surgery units and centers in U.K. This region has favorable reimbursement policies that make it a lucrative regional market.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to availability of technologically advanced products and presence of a large number of manufacturers in countries, such as China. Availability of laser instruments at cheaper prices in emerging countries has boosted their adoption, thereby propelling market expansion. Owing to high incidence of burn injuries, India has also contributed significantly to the region’s growth.

Major manufacturers have undertaken strategic initiatives, such as product development, mergers and acquisitions, and regional expansion, to expand their business. For instance, in April 2017, Merz North America, Inc. announced the launch of Mederma Spezial and Mederma Quick Dry Oil for scar treatment.

If you need specific information, which is not currently within the scope of the report, we will provide it to you as a part of customization

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global hypertrophic & keloid scar treatment market report on the basis of scar type, product, end use, and region: